Tampa, FL Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Tampa, FL, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Key Facts
- Authority
- SWFWMD + Tampa Water
- Mid-day ban
- 10 AM to 4 PM
- Schedule
- Address-based days
- Fine cap
- $500
Summary
Tampa enforces year-round lawn watering schedules under Tampa Bay Water and Southwest Florida Water Management District rules, limiting irrigation to specific days and hours based on house address to conserve regional supply.
Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage Restrictions. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has passed a Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage Order. In addition to the City of Tampa's current mandatory once-a-week watering restrictions (which are enforced year-round), the following modifications take effect on April 3, 2026: Watering is now prohibited between 4am and 8pm, and continues to be restricted to your designated watering day. Handwatering and microirrigation of plant material, such as flower beds, shrubs, or other plant material (other than lawns), is allowed on any day, but is now prohibited between 8am and 6pm. No HOA or other entity shall enforce deed restrictions or other community standards requiring an increase in water use, including replacement of plant material to meet aesthetic standards or pressure washing. Car washing at home (non-commercial) is only allowed on your designated watering day and you must use a hose with a shutoff nozzle. Annual pressure washing for aesthetic purposes is prohibited at this time. Pressure washing is allowed in preparation for painting and sealing. Operation of aesthetic fountains and other water features are limited to four hours a day.
Full Breakdown
Under Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and Tampa Bay Water rules, Tampa residents may irrigate lawns no more than once or twice per week, depending on the season, with watering prohibited between 10 AM and 4 PM. Address-based schedules assign even and odd numbered properties to specific days. Tampa Water Department enforces locally, and stricter year-round rules can apply during drought. Hand watering and micro-irrigation of plant beds are generally exempt.
Violations & Fines
Tampa Code Enforcement issues warnings followed by fines starting near one hundred dollars and escalating up to five hundred dollars for repeat violations of irrigation schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I water my lawn?
Can I hand water my flowers anytime?
Sources & Official References
- [1]Tampa Water
Other rules in Tampa
How Tampa compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Tampa to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.